Rocket Yoga – What Is It And What Are Its Benefits?

Rocket Yoga – What Is It And What Are Its Benefits?Ramya AchantaOctober 24, 2017

What do you do when stuck in a tricky situation? You find a way to get out of it, isn’t it? Rocket Yoga is the way out for those who find Ashtanga Yoga challenging.

And how does it do that? Rocket Yoga is designed to make the physically demanding Ashtanga Yoga simpler. It breaks down the rigidity of the classical Ashtanga practice, making it easier for you to practice it.

It clears your roadblocks, enables a smooth practice, and does much much more. Learn all about it below. Go on, have a look.

What Is Rocket Yoga?

Rocket Yoga is a modification of the traditional Ashtanga Yoga and was put together by a person called Larry Schultz, who studied Ashtanga Yoga under the expert K. Pattabhi Jois for nine years in Mysore.

Rocket Yoga is an attempt by Larry to make Ashtanga Yoga more accessible to western practitioners. It was in the 1980s in San Francisco that he developed Rocket Yoga. The name was given by Bob Weir of ‘The Grateful Dead’ band because he thought Rocket Yoga was quick and easy.

It is. Rocket Yoga is fast-paced and has a dynamic flow. Its structure is similar to that of Ashtanga Yoga, consisting of Surya Namaskar, standing poses, seated poses, twists, and bends.

In Rocket Yoga, students can modify and make their interpretation of the traditional asana. If they get stuck with a pose, they can either skip it or find easier ways to practice it instead of rigidly sticking to the pattern.

Therefore, Rocket Yoga becomes widely accessible, enabling even those with physical problems to try it. It is a smooth process of breath and movement. It may look like a purely physical process, but it helps clear your mind as well.

What makes Rocket Yoga stand apart is that it breaks the concept of hierarchy. You can pick and choose the asanas and practice them without necessarily following a linear format.

No wonder it has many celebrity followers like Madonna, Willem Dafoe, Sting, and Christy Turlington!

Rocket Yoga is divided into three categories. They are:

Rocket I

Rocket I is similar to the primary series of Ashtanga Yoga that focuses on hip openers, forward bends, and core strength. It also includes the Rocket special arm balances and inversions.

Rocket II

The Rocket II is a modification of the second series of Ashtanga Yoga. It consists of backbend techniques and spinal twists of seated poses of the Ashtanga intermediate series that complement Rocket I well.

Rocket III

Rocket III brings together the poses of Rocket I and Rocket II. It includes all the twists, the folds, and the balances to help you build strength and flexibility.

Now, let’s learn about a few exciting Rocket Yoga poses.

Rocket Yoga Poses

Arm balances and inversions form the core of Rocket Yoga. Even handstands, headstands, and forearm stands help you rocket ahead.

But if practicing these becomes difficult, you can always find a way to make it easier by taking the support of a wall, asking somebody to help, or learning tricks to overcome your fear.

1. Astavakrasana (Eight Angle Pose)

Image: Shutterstock

About The Pose: Astavakrasana or the Eight Angle Pose is an asana named after a sage called Ashtavakra, who was born crooked in eight places due to a curse. It is an advanced level asana. Practice it in the morning on an empty stomach. Hold the pose for 60 seconds.

2. Bakasana (Crane Pose)

Image: Shutterstock

About The Pose: Bakasana or the Crane Pose resembles the stance of a crane. It is an intermediate level asana. Practice it in the morning or evening on an empty stomach and clean bowels. Hold the pose for 30 to 60 seconds.

3. Vrischikasana (Scorpion Pose)

Image: Shutterstock

About The Pose: Vrischikasana or the Scorpion Pose is an asana that resembles the stance of a scorpion. It is an advanced level pose. Practice it in the morning on an empty stomach or evening after a gap of 4 to 6 hours from your last meal. Hold it as long as you are comfortable in it.

Benefits: Vrischikasana slows down the aging process and improves the blood flow to the brain and pituitary gland. The pose also loosens your back and strengthens your arms.

To know more about the pose and its procedure, click here:Vrischikasana

4. Mayurasana (Peacock Pose)

Image: Shutterstock

About The Pose: Mayurasana or the Peacock Pose is an asana that looks like a peacock walking around with its feathers down. It is an intermediate level asana. Practice it in the morning on an empty stomach and clean bowels. Hold the pose for 30 to 60 seconds.

5. Salamba Sirsasana (Headstand)

Image: Shutterstock

About The Pose: Salamba Sirsasana or the Headstand is a complete inversion of the body and is called the king of all asanas. It is an advanced pose. It is best to practice it in the morning on an empty stomach and clean bowels. Hold the pose for 1 to 5 minutes.

Expert’s Answers For Readers’ Questions

Both are similar. Rocket Yoga is simply an easier and more doable version of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga.

Why does ‘Rocket’ mean in Rocket Yoga?

Rocket refers to the fast speed with which you can learn and practice Rocket Yoga.

Rocket Yoga is a well structured technique that helps you progress in your practice. It is, in every way, designed to help you go ahead in it. Rocket Yoga empowers you and betters you, physically and mentally. So, what’s keeping you away from it? Get to practicing it.